Apprenticeship
About our Solicitor Apprenticeship
At Joelson, we offer two Solicitor Apprenticeship pathways, providing aspiring lawyers with the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while studying towards qualification.
Through structured seat rotations, mentorship, and supervised work across our legal departments, apprentices develop valuable legal knowledge, professional skills, and commercial awareness while making a meaningful contribution to client work.
Apprentices typically spend four days a week working at the firm and one day a week studying with a training provider. The time spent working at Joelson counts towards the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required to qualify as a solicitor.
Solicitor Apprenticeship (Level 7)
Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship is designed for school leavers and combines academic study with practical legal experience. Apprentices work towards a qualifying law degree and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) as part of the programme. At least 20% of the apprenticeship is dedicated to off-the-job training, including university study and SQE preparation.
Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (Level 7)
Our two-year Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship is designed for individuals who have already completed a law degree or law conversion course. The programme combines practical legal experience with preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), enabling apprentices to develop the skills and knowledge required for qualification while working within the firm.
Both programmes offer the opportunity to gain experience across our core practice areas, including Corporate & Commercial, Real Estate, Employment, and Litigation, within a supportive and collaborative environment.
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How To Apply
All applications must be submitted via the application portal on our website. Please do not send applications directly to HR, Partners, or other members of the firm, as we operate an anonymised recruitment process designed to promote fairness, minimise bias, and ensure all candidates are assessed consistently. Following submission, applications will be reviewed by our Recruitment Team, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stage of the process.
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Eligibility Requirements for Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
You are eligible to apply if you:
· Are studying law and are in your final year at university;
· Have already graduated with a law degree;
· Are in the final year of a non-law degree;
· Have already graduated with a non-law degree
As this programme is funded through the apprenticeship levy, applicants must also meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements. This includes meeting the relevant residency and right-to-work criteria in England.
Government funding for level 7 solicitor apprenticeships will be restricted to:
Candidates under the age of 22;
Those starting an apprenticeship aged 16 to 25 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan or are a care leaver; and
Existing apprentices.
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Eligibility Requirements for Solicitor Apprenticeship
· You should be in Year 13 (or equivalent) or have recently completed your school or college studies and be able to meet our academic requirements.
· 5 GCSEs, including mathematics and English – grade C or above (or equivalent) or grade 4 or above for those attaining qualifications in 2017 or afterwards.
· 3 A Levels (or equivalent) – minimum grade C.
As this programme is funded through the apprenticeship levy, applicants must also meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements. This includes meeting the relevant residency and right-to-work criteria in England.
Government funding for level 7 solicitor apprenticeships will be restricted to:
Candidates under the age of 22;
Those starting an apprenticeship aged 16 to 25 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan or are a care leaver; and
Existing apprentices.
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Recruitment Process
The application process will consist of the following:
· Submission of your online application including your CV and Cover Letter;
· A 2 minute video question on a legal topic;
· Invitation to attend an assessment day at our London offices.
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Key Dates
We do not have a fixed recruitment cycle for our Solicitor Apprenticeships. Opportunities are advertised as and when vacancies arise, so we recommend regularly checking our website and careers page for updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which departments can I sit in during my Apprenticeship?
During the QWE period of the apprenticeship, apprentices complete four six-month seats across our core practice areas, including Corporate & Commercial, Real Estate, Employment, and Litigation. Seat allocations are made with consideration to both business needs and trainee development.
Can I request specific seats?
Yes. Apprentices are invited to indicate their preferred seat rotations, and we will endeavour to accommodate these preferences wherever possible. However, seat allocations cannot be guaranteed and are subject to business requirements and availability.
Is there an opportunity to qualify at the firm?
Our aim is to support our apprentices throughout their development and, where possible and subject to business needs, offer opportunities for apprentices to continue their careers with the firm upon qualification.
Will I receive feedback on my application?
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide feedback to candidates who are unsuccessful at the initial application stages. However, we aim to provide feedback to candidates who reach the interview stage, upon request.
Can I apply again if I am unsuccessful?
Yes. We welcome applications from candidates who have applied previously and encourage individuals to reapply in a future recruitment cycle.
What we look for in our Apprentices
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Attention to Detail
Ability to produce accurate written work and spot inconsistencies or ambiguities.
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Analytical Thinking
Capable of interpreting complex information and applying legal reasoning to real-world scenarios.
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Commercial Awareness
Understanding of current affairs, business trends, and how they impact clients and legal strategy.
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Communication Skills
Clear, confident, and professional in both written and verbal communication.
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Teamwork & Collaboration
Willingness to work with others, share ideas, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
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Initiative & Curiosity
Proactive in seeking learning opportunities and asking thoughtful questions.
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Resilience & Adaptability
Able to manage competing priorities and respond constructively to feedback.
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Time Management
Organised and able to meet deadlines under pressure.
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Ethical and Responsible Values
Passionate about contributing to Joelson's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and B Corp Commitments.
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Stakeholder Management
The ability to communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and manage stakeholder expectations professionally
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Innovation
A proactive approach to innovation, constantly looking for ways to improve processes, enhance client service, and add value.
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Self Directed Learning
The drive to take ownership of personal development, actively seeking feedback, learning opportunities, and new challenges.
Day in the Life of a Graduate Apprentice
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A typical day starts with reviewing emails, prioritising tasks and diarising key deadlines. As my study day is on a Friday, planning ahead is particularly important to ensure matters continue progressing and nothing is missed while I am studying. I regularly attend client meetings, assist with drafting transaction documents and work on ancillary documents that support corporate deals. The apprenticeship also creates a strong link between my work and my studies. Topics I am revising for the SQE often arise in my day-to-day work, which helps bring the law to life and gives me a deeper understanding of how legal principles apply in practice. The flexibility of the programme has been invaluable. Joelson is very supportive of balancing work and study commitments, and having a dedicated study day each week allows me to focus on my SQE preparation while continuing to gain meaningful experience in the office. It is a challenging but incredibly rewarding route to qualification.
Annabelle Saric
Graduate Solicitor Apprentice
